Overview of Israel

Profile

Israel is located in Western Asia on the eastern Mediterranean coast, with a narrow north-south territory. Approximately three-quarters of the population is Jewish, forming a multicultural society created by diaspora from around the world. Despite multiple Middle Eastern wars and ongoing Palestinian issues since independence, it has achieved economic growth as an OECD member developed nation, leading the world particularly in cybersecurity, medical, and agricultural innovation. Jerusalem's Old City has adjacent holy sites for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, with diverse religious ceremonies throughout the year.

Official name: State of Israel
Common name: Israel
Numeric code: 376
Alpha-3 code: ISR
Alpha-2 code: IL
Population: Approx. 9.7 million (2023)
Population density: Approx. 430 people/km²
Primary languages: Hebrew, Arabic
Major religions: Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Druze
National anthem: Hatikvah (The Hope)
Calling code: +972
Internet TLD: .il

History

After World War II in 1948, the Jewish Agency declared independence following the UN partition plan, subsequently fighting several wars with neighboring Arab states while developing the nation.

Jewish history beginning with ancient Hebrew kingdoms has repeatedly experienced diaspora and return. Through 19th-century Zionism and the Holocaust, modern Israel was established in 1948. The First through Fourth Middle Eastern Wars, with the 1967 Third War occupying East Jerusalem and Golan Heights continuing to present. Peace treaties signed with Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994. The Oslo Accords of the 1990s recognized partial autonomy but did not achieve final peace, with conflicts continuing into the 2020s. Meanwhile, rapid economic development and immigrant diversification have brought significant social and cultural transformation.

Geography & climate

Fertile coastal plains along Mediterranean, central Judea-Samaria hills, northern Galilee mountains, southern Negev Desert with diverse terrain.

Mediterranean climate (north/coast) mixed with desert climate (south)

Area: Asia / 22072 km²
Capital: Jerusalem (Israel's claim; most embassies in Tel Aviv)
Largest city: Jerusalem
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Dead Sea, Sea of Galilee (Kinneret)
Bordering countries: Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Egypt

Natural resources

Natural gas (Leviathan field), Dead Sea salt, Potash, Phosphate rock, Copper ore, Solar energy, Geothermal, Limestone, Clay, High biodiversity

Politics

Government: Parliamentary republic (liberal democracy)

Economy

Currency: New Shekel (ILS)

GDP (nominal): 5,250 hundred million dollars (2023)

GDP (PPP): 6,200 hundred million dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Hebrew, Arabic

Time zone: Israel Standard Time (winter), Israel Daylight Time (DST)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Ashkenazi, Mizrahi, Sephardi, Ethiopian Jews, Russian Jews, Arab Israelis, Druze, Circassians

Life expectancy

Approx. 83 years

Literacy rate

97.8%

National sports

Soccer, Basketball, Judo, Taekwondo, Sailing, Gymnastics